Runyon Preserve

Location

Runyon Preserve is located on Morgan Street, east of Hamilton Street, in Lockport.

View Runyon Preserve interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-Sunset

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

Geocaching

Runyon Preserve in Lockport offers a quiet natural area centered around woodland and creek habitat, with a history rooted in early recreation and community use. At 21 acres, its small size makes it a simple place to enjoy a short visit close to home.

Planning your visit

Runyon Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

Exploring the preserve

Runyon Preserve has a parking lot and small non-rentable shelter. Visitors can enjoy informal exploration and nature observation.

Prescribed burns: Why and how we do them

Putting fire to the landscape is an important tool in land management and keeps invasive species at bay.

Breakfast with some bald eagles

You never know what is going to drop into the picture when out in the preserves. In this case, it was a very hungry bald eagle. Bon appétit!

Monitoring grassland birds

Learn how staff track nesting and migrating birds to help protect healthy prairie habitats.

Flora and fauna

The preserve protects forest habitat and a portion of Fiddyment Creek. Wildlife found at the preserve includes species such as the western chorus frog.

Preserve history

Runyon Preserve was acquired between 1934 and 2004 and is part of the Fiddyment Creek preservation system, which protects nearly 300 acres.

Before acquisition, the site was known as Legion Park and was owned by the American Legion. The preserve is named for Armstead Runyon, a local settler and early advocate of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

A person sitting in a light blue kayak in the water, holding up the paddle.

Paddle Skills Refresher

July 24, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M

Give your paddling skills a refresh and refine your techniques to make paddling a breeze and keep you going strong all day.

An adult standing behind a child holding a fishing pole instructing them how to use it.

First Time Fishing

July 24, 2026 | 6:00 P.M TO 8:00 P.M

Learn how to bait a hook, put tackle on a pole and cast plus gain hands-on experience while fishing along the shoreline under the guidance of an instructor

A great blue heron wading through shallow water with a fish in its mouth. Tall grasses are visible in the background..

Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing

July 25, 2026 | 8:00 A.M TO 12:00 P.M

See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants at our weekly bird viewings at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.

A wooden bridge spanninng a canal with blue sky above. The canal is lined by trees.

Wander at Will: A case of the summer doldrums

July 24, 2026 | Recreation

Not everyone loves summer, and that's OK. If you need a break from this relentless season, cater your time outside to what you like best.

A coati on a large branch with leafy trees surrounding it.

Wild Relatives: The coati, which might remind you of a mammal in Illinois

July 23, 2026 | Nature and wildlife

Get to the know the coati — a highly adaptable and can live in many different types of habitat.

A police officer speaks with a child while at a National Night Out event.

National Night Out brings police, community together at Monee Reservoir

July 22, 2026 | Programs and events

The event is set for 5-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Frequently asked questions

There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.

Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.

Runyon Preserve

Location

Hours

Phone